How Satisfying Do You Think a Job in Coaching Would Be?

[Random UK Fan]

Have you ever thought about guys who have decided to pursue a coaching career, from assistant coaches dreaming of of being a head coach to the top head coaches around the country. It seems -to me at least - that once you make it as a tenured head coach (Wright, Boeheim, Few, Huggins. etc) the money and celebrity would be pretty exciting. Being in front of the crowds, being on TV, community endorsements. electrifying environments.

Then I think about the guys who are just starting their fresh, new assistant coach jobs, and all of the long hours, practices, drama, having to to kowtow to teenage recruits and all of the behind the scenes stuff that has to be done to pay their dues to become even mildly successful, and how long you have to endure that, it would seem so not worth it. Highly-successful coaches (K, Self, Williams, Cal, etc) had a loooonnngg road to get to where they are.

We all love the sport and the things that surround it. If you had a chance to start all over at the bottom, would you consider it? Why or why not?

 

[IUfanBorden]

I would. Not as far as coaching---But officiating, I certainly would. I think with anything, if its something you love, and have a passion for, you'll do what it takes to reach the pinnacle(or close to it), of your said profession. I do not miss the long car drives to Missouri for an NAIA game. Get finished at 10pm. Then head home. Get home at 1am, or so---get up for work at 6, then leave again that night for a game in Northern Indiana. Don't miss it. But then again, I kinda of do. Built some great friendships. Same with baseball.

Note: I am thinking of getting into coaching(HS) once my officiating days are over. I'll probably stay at it for another 5 years. Maybe.

 

[Hank_]

I know a few that made it to the assistant and “Quality Control” level in D1.

Under-appreciated part of the gig is the networking aspect, lots of hand shakes and appearances/tag alongs to get your name out there. It’s a grind, and not a very secure job. It also helps your credibility if you played, but it’s definitely not a requirement.

Went to school with a dude that is an assistant golf coach at a major P5 school. He was one of the best amateurs in the country before getting into coaching, which helped him gain clout despite being young. Kids respect him too. I see him having an easier time than the others that are pursuing similar spots.

It looks fun, but I wouldn’t do it.